Clipped Wings, as an organization, has always tried to hold its conventions at a nice hotel or resort. Most members like to think of their stay as a combination vacation/reunion, and the surroundings are important, especially for delegates, chairmen and officers who work hard during convention week.

We have all seen costs skyrocket for everything from food to fuel, and fun is no exception. The Westin Pasadena, one of the finest hotels in the Los Angeles area, has the facilities we need for our functions, and has given us a convention rate much lower than the “rack rate”. And only $4.00 more than we paid in 2002. (Be sure you mention the Clipped Wings convention when you register.) It is also a nice size, intimate yet accommodating, with plenty of areas for visiting and really nice rooms – kings have room for a rollaway, if needed. Being downtown makes it very convenient to shops, restaurants, etc. There is no reason to rent a car if you stay at the hotel. Everything is within walking or shuttle bus distance.

The registration fee covers one major meal each day, plus entertainment that you won't want to miss. Most people get by easily with light meals and snacks between events.

If you are considering staying at a less-expensive hotel, be sure you check out the additional costs for parking & taxi fares. As one of our Pasadena members told me: “There are no 'cheaper' rates in Pasadena except some motels in another part of town, that would necessitate our members driving and being in a less than desirable area (read hookers).”

Keep in mind also that you would miss a lot of the day-to-day fun of running into others staying at the Westin. I remember at one of the first conventions I went to – in San Francisco – a member decided to save money by staying with family, commuting into town for the meetings and events. The hotel parking (which would have been less if she had been registered) combined with gas and toll charges, cost almost as much as a shared room would have. And she ended up sleeping on the floor on pillows in our room anyway. Most of us are now too old for that, but the memories are fun.

From a business perspective, when an organization books a convention, a percentage of rooms blocked have to be booked or steep charges – in this case up to $35,000 - will ensue for function space.

When California Dreamin' Convention was awarded to Los Angeles Chapter, no one had any idea that our economy would be adversely affecting so many people. We hope that despite recession concerns, everyone will be able to come and enjoy the beautiful Westin Hotel in Pasadena. As one of the convention co-chairs said: “I don't think they will be disappointed in the location, price and amenities of the Westin”. And from what I've seen of the events that have been planned, California Dreamin' promises to be one of the best ever Clipped Wings® conventions.

You don't want to miss this one!